Vehicle

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I bought a Cruze eco model about two weeks ago. I can't believe I'm averaging 39 mpg in mixed driving in hill country on the first two tanks of gas. I would have been happy with 29 in the kind of driving I do in hilly terrain of SW Pennsylvania. The car does seem to kind of glide without much effort and I drive it conservatively on the highway letting it coast down hills at times around the speed limit--often having to slow it down a bit. The high range gears also pull hills better than I expected--even the 6th gear. The car is also fun to drive in the city where I work and must commute during the work week. It is quick, with more feedback and precise handling than I'd expected.

This is a case where the manual transmission is the way to go.
The combination of a relatively heavy car, a small displacement turbo engine, and an automatic transmission really works against the Cruze.
It's amazing how much better the car performs with a stick shift.
The automatic/1.4t combo really, really drags the Cruze down.
The Eco 6M trim is clearly the best way to buy a Cruze.
Ironically, GM usually does well with smooth automatics, but the Cruze is the exception.